According to Grace Taylor PT, DPT, at H&D Park Slope in New York City, Romanian deadlifts target your entire posterior chain (aka the muscles all along the back of the body). This includes the hamstrings, lower back, and glutes, but also the core and spinal erectors (the muscles that run alongside your vertebrae).
- Stand holding a pair of medium-weight dumbbells in each hand, arms at your sides, with your knees slightly bent.
- Keeping your arms straight and knees slightly bent, slowly bend at your hip joint (not your waist) and lower the weights as far as possible without rounding your back, which should remain straight.
- Now squeeze your glutes to slowly pull yourself up (don't use your back). This counts as one rep.
